RecruitingNot Applicable

New Assessment System in Measuring Symptom Distress in Cancer Patients

United States6,500 participantsStarted 1999-04-13

Plain-language summary

This trial studies how well a new assessment system (MDASI or other MD Anderson-developed PRO instrument) works in measuring symptoms and the impact on quality of life in cancer patients. Development of a new assessment system may provide more information about the common symptoms that may occur in patients due to cancer and its treatment and how the symptoms impact quality of life.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * NORMAL SAMPLES: Community dwelling adults 18 years of age or older * PATIENT SAMPLES: Inpatients and outpatients 18 years of age or older, being followed at UT MD Anderson * EXPERT PANEL PROFESSIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Physician or other healthcare provider with at least 5 years of experience caring for patients with the disease and/or treatment of interest, at least one publication in the last 5 years dealing with the disease and/or treatment of interest (physician only), ability to speak and read English, consent to participate * EXPERT PANEL FAMILY CAREGIVERS PARTICIPANTS: Identification as a family caregiver by patient enrolled as expert panel participant with the disease and/or treatment of interest, 18 years of age or older, ability to speak and read English, consent to participate * EXPERT PANEL PATIENT PARTICIPANTS: Patient with identified family caregiver participating on Expert Panel, willingness to receive packet for expert panel participation Exclusion Criteria: * EXPERT PANEL PATIENT PARTICIPANTS: Patient with identified family caregiver participating on expert panel, willingness to receive packet for expert panel participation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) tool or other MD Anderson-developed patient reported outcome (PRO) instrument validity

Timeframe: Up to 21 years

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) tool or other MD Anderson-developed PRO instrument reliability.

Timeframe: Up to 21 years

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Functional Status scale

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

EuroQOL 5 Dimensions questionnaire

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

The change in the symptom severity and interference with the function

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) tool or other MD Anderson-developed PRO instrument sensitivity

Timeframe: Up to 21 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00505245

SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2031-04-30

Contact for this trial

Xin Shelley Wang

713-745-3504 xswang@mdanderson.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Caregiver trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) tool or other MD Anderson-developed patient reported outcome (PRO) instrument validity

Timeframe: Up to 21 years

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) tool or other MD Anderson-developed PRO instrument reliability.

Timeframe: Up to 21 years

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Functional Status scale

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

EuroQOL 5 Dimensions questionnaire

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

The change in the symptom severity and interference with the function

Timeframe: Baseline up to 21 years

MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) tool or other MD Anderson-developed PRO instrument sensitivity

Timeframe: Up to 21 years